The fragrance noticed at the hives in autumn in N.E. North America (at
least in my part of it, which is soutcentral Pennsylvania) is IMHO that
of the small white asters.  I have never noticed any goldenrods with this
fragrance, but the asters emit it. The honey from this source has a
similar fragrance.  It crystallizes rapidly.
 
Bill Morrison
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On Tue, 24 Sep 1996, Barry Birkey wrote:
 
> Tim Sterrett wrote:
> >
> > >probably because the bees are bringing in goldenrod honey.
> >
> >    For many years, I enjoyed this late season, tangy odor as a sign of
> > autumn.  Then my wife commented that it smelled like old sneakers.  So now I
> > am in a quandary about whether I like the smell of old sneakers!
> >   Has anyone documented the link between the autumn smell of hives in the
> > northeast U.S. and goldenrod (Solidago) plants?  When I stick my nose into a
> > goldenrod flower, I do not smell the same ripe(!) aroma that I smell in front
> > of the hives.
> >
> > Tim
> > Tim Sterrett
> > Westtown, (Southeastern) Pennsylvania, USA
> > [log in to unmask]
>
> The "tangy odor" from the hives in the autumn has got to be from the particular nectar
> type being stored. I would also be inclined to say that it is goldenrod as that is the
> dominant flowering source in my area also. It is something I look forward to every fall.
> Working in my office with the windows open and having this very distinct aroma cross my
> nose is a real delite. I still believe old sneakers are in a class all by themselves! It's one of
> those smells that you never forget and have a real hard time trying to explain it to
> someone. It's like the smell of a new car, or as a woodworker, the smell of a particular
> species of wood or as a father, the smell of one of my kids after they have been playing
> out in the sun all day. It's not a bad smell, just distinct. I think it's yet another small joy
> of beekeeping. I vote thumbs up for "the smell" coming from my hives.
>
> -Barry......has a weird sense of smell
>
> --
> Barry Birkey
> West Chicago, Illinois  USA
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.birkey.com
>